Thomas Paine Answers

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Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?”The word “expires” tells the reader that Paine believed the colonies’ separation from Britain was

A
inevitable.
B
concerning.
C
dangerous.
D
fixable.
2
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Read the excerpt from Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense."Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?Paine’s use of phrases such as “little remains,” “relationship expires,” and “quarrel over” suggest that his purpose is to

A
repair the relationship between Britain and the colonies
B
inspire the colonies to progress without British support
C
evoke a war between Britain and the colonies
D
address British issues within the colonies
3

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.” What is the purpose of the words “simple,” plain,” and “common”?

A
to persuade readers of his point of view
B
to encourage only serious readers to continue
C
to demonstrate his impressive intellect
D
to appeal to as large an audience as possible
4

Read the excerpt from Common Sense."Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny by keeping vacant the seat of government."Paine repeats the word “ye” in order to

A
grab the attention of colonists who may not understand the urgency of his cause.
B
encourage readers to take up arms against colonists who agree with the king.
C
ask the king directly to allow the colonies to be represented in Parliament.
D
scold the colonists for their refusal to fight for an important cause.
5

Read the excerpt from the The Crisis, Number I.“Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place.”Which best describes Paine’s use of figurative language in this excerpt?

A
Paine uses hyperbole to emphasize that there is strong colonial support for American independence.
B
Paine uses metaphor to illustrate why America must gain independence from Britain.
C
Paine uses hyperbole to describe the ways in which independence will benefit most of the colonists.
D
Paine uses metaphor to express the fact that the majority of colonists believe in American independence.
6

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did.”Paine uses this language to show that

A
the king deserves punishment for his behavior toward the colonies.
B
the king’s oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable.
C
the colonists will mend their relationship with the king if he promises them independence.
D
the colonies will eventually heal from the wounds inflicted by the king.
7

Which excerpt from The Crisis, Number I contains a simile?

A
"These are the times that try men's souls."
B
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered."
C
"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly."
D
"It is dearness only that gives everything its value."
8

Read the excerpt from Common Sense."Some Massanello may hereafter arise, who, laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and the discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of government may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge."In the excerpt, Paine compares a deluge—a torrential downpour—to the actions of a group of men to illustrate their

A
force.
B
intentions.
C
numbers.
D
pride.
9

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I."My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light."Paine most likely uses this language to convince his audience that

A
he is completely confident in his reasoning.
B
his reasoning is supported by many others.
C
his reasoning is influenced by the laws of nature.
D
their reasoning is flawed if they disagree with him.
10

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I.“’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”Which best describes the purpose of this excerpt?

A
to explain Paine’s moral justification for the war
B
to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence
C
to encourage colonists to consider a peaceful solution
D
to emphasize the hardships that come with fighting for a cause

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